If there was any doubt that mental health plays a huge part in sporting competition, one only has to listen to newly crowned world chess champion, D Gukesh. Gukesh has spoken highly of his mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, crediting him, too, for his win over China’s Ding Liren.

Gukesh has stated in a number of reports that at that level, it is not only about chess. There was a lot of mental and emotional pressure to contend with. His conversations with the coach and suggestions also helped him develop throughout.